KFC testing plant-based chicken in Canada

VAUGHAN, ONT. — KFC, a subsidiary of Yum! Brands, Inc., is launching a second one-day test of plant-based chicken. New meatless popcorn chicken and fried chicken sandwiches will be available at a Mississauga, Ont., location on Nov. 27.

KFC tested Beyond Meat nuggets and boneless wings at an Atlanta store in August, becoming the first major U.S. fast-food chain to introduce a Beyond Chicken item. The product sold out in five hours.

Feedback gathered during the one-day, one-restaurant test will determine KFC Canada’s plans to roll out plant-based fried chicken nationally in 2020, the company said.

The items were developed by Lightlife, a brand best known for its refrigerated plant-based proteins. It is one of two major brands under Greenleaf, SPC, which also owns Whole Field Grain Meat Co. Greenleaf is a wholly owned, independent subsidiary of Maple Leaf Foods Inc.

“We’re proud to join forces with KFC to bring Canadians a plant-based chicken with incredible taste,” said Dan Curtin, president and chief executive officer of Greenleaf Foods. “With pioneering partners like KFC, we can make plant-based foods more broadly available to the growing number of consumers seeking the option on the go.”

A&W also is gearing up to test Lightlife’s plant-based chicken in select Canadian locations, beginning in December. The brand’s plant-based burgers are available nationwide at Canadian chain Harvey’s.